How To Get Rid Of A Charley Horse (Leg Cramps)

How To Get Rid Of A Charley Horse (Leg Cramps)Shaheen NaserApril 2, 2019

Nobody knows why leg cramps are referred to as charley horse. However, some say that this condition is named after a baseball pitcher, Charley Radbourne (nicknamed Old Hoss), who suffered from it during a game in the 80s. Those frequent cramps in the muscles of your legs and calves that occur following varying triggers can all be termed as charley horses. Would you like to find natural ways to deal with this medical problem? Just keep reading to know how!

What Is A Charley Horse?

Charley horse is just another name for muscle spasm that is marked by uncomfortable muscle contractions. It mostly occurs in the legs. Charley horses are mostly spasms in the calf muscles that occur particularly at night. When these muscle spasms do not stop for many seconds, it may result in severe pain.

Signs And Symptoms Of Charley Horses

The muscles may begin contracting, resulting in uncontrollable muscle spasms.

Although these spasms are often brief, they may sometimes last for several minutes.

Prolonged spasms can cause intense pain and discomfort.

Charley horses can be brief or last for several minutes, but no more than 10 minutes in most individuals. This condition is mostly infrequent, but frequent spasms might hint at an underlying health issue. A few factors that can be held responsible for causing a charley horse are discussed below.

3. Epsom Salt Bath

You Will Need

What You Have To Do

Add a cup of Epsom salt to a tub of water.

Soak in this for about 15 to 20 minutes.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once daily or every alternate day.

Why This Works

As you are aware, magnesium deficiency is responsible for recurring charley horses. Soaking in an Epsom salt bath replenishes the magnesium levels in your body, which, in turn, reduces the inflammation and pain associated with leg cramps (3).

4. Vitamins

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Your body requires various vitamins and minerals to function properly. Vitamins B complex and D are believed to work wonders for muscle cramps. In fact, a study has concluded that intake of B complex vitamin reduced muscle cramps in about 86% of the patients (4). Low vitamin D levels in your blood can also trigger muscle cramps (5).

Thus, it is important to consume foods rich in these vitamins like meat, eggs, dairy products, whole grains, and green leafy veggies.

You Will Need

What You Have To Do

How Often You Should Do This

You must do this right after you experience a leg cramp.

Why This Works

The very aroma of lavender calms you down and soothes your anxiety (6). This, in turn, helps in relaxing your muscles. Also, the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of lavender oil help relieve inflammation, swelling, and pain in the affected area (7).

6. A Bar Of Soap

You Will Need

What You Have To Do

Before going to sleep, slip a small bar of soap under the covers, preferably near your feet.

Take the soap out the following morning.

How Often You Should Do This

You must do this every night.

Why This Works

Although there is no scientific evidence for this remedy, many individuals affected by charley horse or leg cramps swear by this. It is believed that placing a bar of soap underneath your sheets, near your feet, can provide relief from charley horses in due course of time.

9. Turmeric

You Will Need

What You Have To Do

Take a tablespoon of turmeric powder and add a little coconut oil to it.

Apply the turmeric-coconut oil paste to the affected muscles and massage gently.

Leave it on for about 30 minutes before washing it off.

You can also mix a teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of hot milk and consume daily.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this whenever the leg cramp strikes for immediate relief.

Why This Works

Turmeric contains curcumin, which is an anti-inflammatory compound. The topical application, as well as consumption, of turmeric can help reduce the inflammation, pain, and swelling associated with a charley horse (10).

12. Baking Soda

You Will Need

What You Have To Do

Add one-fourth teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of water.

Mix well and consume immediately.

How Often You Should Do This

You must drink this right after you get a leg cramp.

Why This Works

Baking soda is also known as sodium bicarbonate. Sodium deficiency can also be a possible trigger of your leg cramp. The intake of baking soda restores the lost sodium in your body and helps you get rid of a charley horse (13).

You must also make some changes to your diet to combat recurrent leg cramps. Following the diet tips that are given below can help you recover faster from a charley horse.

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